The LSU women’s basketball team made history this season as they won the NCAA championship for the first time. Leading from the front was an inspiring young woman by the name of Angel Reese. However, she became the target of criticism for her antics during the final. Nonetheless, there was no backing down from the Bayou Barbie. She was unapologetic in the post-game interview and faced the heat with confidence. Not only that, but she created an entire movement as celebrities like Shaunie Henderson, and Gabrielle Union spoke in her support.
A powerful and passionate forward, the 20-year-old was electric in the final. As the Tigers were inches from the win, Reese taunted Caitlin Clark of Iowa with her own ‘You Can’t See Me’ celebration. Fans called her “classless” for the behavior she displayed. While Reese received hate for her antics, many people from the basketball world came forward in her support.
Gabrielle Union and Shaunie Henderson defend Angel Reese from hate
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reese’s three words in the post-game conference managed to inspire several celebrities to come and speak in her favor. The 20-year-old LSU junior said, “It’s unapologetically you”. Her approach led to major debates all over social media. While critiques called her classless, many came and pointed out the differential treatment being handed out. LSU alumnus Shaquille O’Neal also tweeted against Keith Olbermann’s tweet saying, “shut your dumb a** up leave Angel Reese alone.” Reese retweeted that writing, “yeah my uncle shaq don’t play bout me. period.”
READ MORE-NCAA Champ Angel Reese’s Bold Demand to Lil Wayne Shows She Suffers from FOMO: “Just Let Me..”
He wasn’t the only one to step up and join the fight. And as it seems, the support for Reese is only growing with time. Recently, NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union made an Instagram post celebrating black women. Unsurprisingly, she gave a shout out to Angel Reese for her impact on Black Excellency.
View this post on Instagram
On the other hand, Shaunie Henderson also dedicated a post on Instagram to the Bayou Barbie for her handling of the situation. She posted a compilation of several stars such as Shannon Sharpe and Malika Andrews defending the LSU star. In addition, the American actress also lauded the 20 years for wanting to be a role model.
View this post on Instagram
She wrote in the post, “Job well-done baby girl! I say to you as I’ve said to my own children – your character is not built from the conversations of others but from the courage, you have within. We celebrate you for your strength and perseverance. We got you!”
The Bayou Barbie receives more love from fans and celebrities
As Gabrielle Union pinned down an emotional message, many fans and celebrities came out and gave the words more power. ‘Air‘ star and Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis commented, “Yes!!!”
Other celebrities such as Angela Bassett, actor Keith Powers, and writer Austin Channing also showed their love on Union’s post. Apart from them, many fans came out to show their allegiance. Bassett and Halle Berry replied with hearts, while others wrote:
“louder!!!! we love you and we support you”
“Black Queens”
“YES SIS, THANK YOU, WE ALL AGREE.”
“We must be unapologetically us and cheer one another on!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The support was loud on Shaunie’s post as well. Fans crowded the comments in support of Angel Reese. One user said, “Ditto! My sentiments exactly!”
Another said, “Keep Shining Bright lil’Sis!! Congratulations”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: “Michael Jordan vs James Harden in stats. Who was more lethal as their scorer in the prime?”
The support for the 2023 Most Outstanding Player has been immense and overwhelming. The biggest of stars have stood up for Reese and what she stands for. Moreover, the 20-year-old herself has shown courage in tackling all that came to her. While opinions will keep flying, Reese will most likely never feel a lack of love from here on out.